Wauconda schools pick Feryance to fill open board seat

Wauconda Unit District 118 officials have selected Jonathan Feryance to fill an open school board seat.

Feryance will replace former board member Gary Midkiff, who is leaving the board because he's moving out of the district.

Board members interviewed two candidates last week at a special meeting before its committee meeting, and unanimously appointed Feryance, who is from Wauconda.

Midkiff served 13 months of his first term on the board, set to end in April 2013. Feryance will serve until April, 2011, and then can be re-elected to finish Midkiff's term.

Board members appointed Feryance for his unique knowledge about District 118. Feryance has kept up with all public board documents and attended meetings to understand how the board operates.

"I've spent the last several years going to meetings and getting involved and learning about the workings of the school district and the board," he said. "I've studied the budgets and policies, so coming on the board I get to use the knowledge I've gained."

Board President John Armstrong, who was absent from the meeting, said Feryance's appointment was not unexpected because of his prior knowledge of board issues.

"That was not too surprising to me," Armstrong said. "He's been very attentive and has shown a lot of interest as to what the board is doing."

Feryance, who has three sons attending district schools, said he felt an obligation to become a public servant because of his parents.

"I am very honored to be put on the school board, having had watched the individuals of the board and the seriousness of the job. I respect the fact that I was chosen out of those who applied," he said.